| 123rd MAINE LEGISLATURE | ||||||
| LD 1065 | LR 1145(01) | |||||
| Resolve, To Enhance the Education Opportunities for Maine's Early Childhood Workers | ||||||
| Fiscal Note for Original Bill | ||||||
| Sponsor: Rep. Silsby of Augusta | ||||||
| Committee: Appropriations and Financial Affairs | ||||||
| Fiscal Note Required: Yes | ||||||
| Fiscal Note | ||||||
| 2007-08 | 2008-09 | Projections 2009-10 | Projections 2010-11 | |||
| Net Cost (Savings) | ||||||
| General Fund | $325,000 | $125,000 | $125,000 | $125,000 | ||
| Appropriations/Allocations | ||||||
| General Fund | $325,000 | $125,000 | $125,000 | $125,000 | ||
| Fiscal Detail and Notes | ||||||
| This bill includes General Fund appropriations totaling $325,000 in fiscal year 2007-08 and $125,000 in fiscal year 2008-09 to provide increased educational opportunities for the State's early childhood workers. | ||||||
| Of the total, an ongoing amount of $125,000 per year beginning in fiscal year 2007-08 is to the Finance Authority of Maine to increase the number of scholarships available under the Quality Child Care Education Scholarship Fund. The Authority currently receives $146,958 per year from the Fund for a Healthy Maine for scholarships for qualifying students taking courses related to early childhood education or child development. The Governor's recommended budget for the 2008-2009 biennium proposes to increase the allocation by $19,200 per year beginning in fiscal year 2007-08. The remaining $200,000 in fiscal year 2007-08 is a one-time appropriation for the University of Maine System to develop a degree program for those seeking training for working with preschool children with special needs. It is unclear whether these funds will be sufficient to develop the degree program or whether additional funding will be required. The University of Maine will require additional General Fund appropriations to support the ongoing costs of providing the new degree program. The amount can not be determined at this time. | ||||||